Ascham boarder Lexi Campbell, Warren, has been named in a number of leadership positions, including head of boarding, captain of equestrian and captain of touch football.
Lexi said her primary school years as a distance education student enabled her to succeed on so many levels at Ascham.
Ascham is the only school in Australia to use the Dalton Plan, which allows students, in close co-operation with their teachers, to take responsibility for and ownership of their learning.
They develop a keen interest in their subjects, the ability to question and debate ideas, and exceptional time management and organisational skills.
Distance education, with its structured weekly assignment work given well ahead of deadline, and with completed work handed in each week, is a perfect fit for Dalton at Ascham, a spokeswoman said.
Lexi said she had many happy memories of her seven years being educated in a system that was similar to the Dalton Plan.
Schoolwork was delivered to students at the beginning of each term with completed work handed in week by week, although for distance education children this involved posting it to Dubbo each Friday in a red material bag. Head of school Andrew Powell said boarders handled the transition to the Dalton Plan very well.
“The plan extends the foundation these students have already developed in terms of self-discipline and independence, meeting deadlines and seeking expert help when needed, as well as dealing with other people with respect, courtesy, curiosity and confidence,” he said.
When the time came, Lexi was well prepared to follow her older sisters into a city-based boarding school.
The discipline Lexi developed in distance education, the independence and the ability to plan ahead provided a perfect fit for her at Ascham, where she has flourished academically as well as in co-curricular activities.
- Visit www.ascham.nsw.edu.au